Monday Conversation II: Jake Weimer

Alpinestars has been delivering performance of the highest level on the motocross tracks of the world for over 50 years. Racing on Sunday and developing on Monday is a way of life at Alpinestars. Welcome to the Racer X Monday Conversation.

The last time Geico Powersports Honda’s Jake Weimer was featured in a Monday Conversation, it was after he won the Phoenix Supercross last January. Aside from that win, his supercross season was a tough one, and outdoors, it looked early like it was going to be pretty tough on him, too. However, the last two races have turned the outdoors around for him, as Weimer went 4-4 for fourth in Texas, and then 2-5 for second this past weekend at High Point.

Racer X: That first moto was a great race for you – you know, aside from the first lap or two where you couldn’t stay on the track after getting the holeshot...Jake Weimer: The first moto, I got the holeshot, and for some reason, I had a feeling I was going to get it – I don’t know why. I got good starts here last year, and I had a feeling I was going to get the holeshot, and I did. In the past, I’ve done it, and I still do it: I rode tight right at the beginning. I went from first to like fourth in a lap and a half, went off the track twice... Then, I just calmed down, and then I was finally able to get into my own groove and ride my own laps, which eventually was good enough to finish second.

You’re working with Randy Lawrence now, and you’ve said before that you didn’t think your fitness was the problem, but rather the mental thing, but it seemed like you were working your way past guys late in the race. Where you going faster, or were they going slower?
You know? It could be a little bit of both. I have a tendency to do that. But on the other hand, I do think there are a few guys that do get a little tired out there. Honestly, this year, it seems there are more people in shape than last year, to me. I don’t know, though. I guess it could be a little bit of both.

You’re not typically a great mud rider, and with how it looked yesterday, where you dreading the idea of a mud race here?
You know what? It really didn’t. Like you said, I’m typically not a mud rider, and I really wasn’t nervous, and I just kind of went out there and was like, “I’m top 10 in points, and I’ve already made it in tomorrow, so I’m just going to go out there and ride around.” Then, I actually ended up with the third-fastest time, but it got docked because I went over the finish line and then flipped a u turn and went into the mechanic’s area, not even thinking, before going back out on the track. I wasn’t trying to cheat or anything. But it’s not like it really matters. It was Saturday. I felt good in the mud, and then this morning, I didn’t feel as good, but the day as a whole was a good day for sure.

Steve Matthes wanted me to ask you about racing in Canada, and how that helped to prepare you for racing here in the USA...
I think it’s good to go everywhere. I think it’s good to travel and ride different tracks and be out of your comfort zone. I think you get in the habit of doing the same thing over and over and over, and you’re so comfortable doing that, that when you do get into an awkward situation, like it rains, you don’t feel comfortable. So I think it’s good to travel and ride different tracks. In that sense, it was good for me, but the only thing that wasn’t perfect was that it was kind of a last-minute deal, and we weren’t able to get my bike set up at all. The people who helped me out were great guys, and it was a lot of fun, but it was just last-minute and my bike wasn’t ready, and it was tough. I think I won one moto and just struggled at the rest.

Did you see your house in the new Racer X?
No, not yet.

Oh, because I made fun of you, because you’re so pasty white and pointed out that your house is also pasty white on the inside.
I’m sure you did. That’s how you are.

Well, it just seems like you fit in with your house perfectly. If you like stood against a wall at your house, do you think you could camouflage?
You’re really going to bring that at me right now... That’s how it’s going to be... I’m just bummed you’re bringing that at me right now. First off, I normally don’t just stand around at my house naked. I have clothes on. And I’m pretty sure I don’t wear “pasty” clothes, so your question is dumb, Steve. I’m just going to have to go with that being a dumb question.

So, are you riding for Geico Powersports Honda again next year? Because there are rumors...
Don’t be that guy...

Okay, then... Umm... How were your tires hooking up, or something?
My Dunlop tires were siiiick... Why don’t you ask me what I think of Colorado?

Okay... What do you think of Colorado?
I don’t know. It will be interesting, for sure. I think it could go either way. I think it could be horrible, or I think it could be better. The only reason I think it could be better is that maybe it will be cooler and the bikes will breathe better, but if they don’t have it lighted well, it’s going to suck.

Do you think you will have a hard time seeing into ruts and things?
That already is kind of weird dirt there. It’s kind of dark and hard to see in the first place, so they’d better have that thing lit good, or else we’re going to be in trouble.

Matthes told me earlier that he worked with you for something, and his comment to me was, “That kid’s really smart.”
You know? I think that might be why I’m not as fast as some of the other guys. I think I’m too smart and I think about it too much.

But if you get it all figured out, won’t you be, like, super-fast?
I’m going with that, yeah.